The Stage of Life
This poem represents the human experience, and in it, the varying cast of characters that share the stage of life with us. As fellow travelers crossing over to “stage right” or “stage left”, we assume that our roles have been permanently cast. With our character and lines already set, we have forgotten that we are only actors playing a part.
As actors following yesterday’s scripts, we could allow our negative opinions and left-over prejudices and attitudes to dictate how we will treat another. Or, with the continual conscious choice of love, kindness, tolerance and compassion, we could change the script of this world, thereby, making this stage a better place for life to play out.
By being a friend to all characters on the stage of life, whatever part they playing at the time, we are not playing a role that is above or below them, but we are recognizing them, just as we are, fellow travelers crossing the stage of life. With this realization of equality, lies the hope and beauty of a new world.
The House By the Side of the Road
A house by the side of the road
Let me live in a house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by –
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner’s seat,
Or hurl the cynic’s ban;
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I see from my house by the side of the road,
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife.
But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears –
Both parts of an infinite plan;
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead
And mountains of wearisome height;
And the road passes on through the long afternoon
And stretches away to the night.
But still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice,
And weep with the strangers that moan,
Nor live in my house by the side of the road
Like a man who dwells alone.
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by –
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish – so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat
Or hurl the cynic’s ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
-by Sam Walter Foss
Great poem. Yes, we are all actors in a play. We are here to afford shelter and comfort just as the house by the side of the road. Not to judge or scorn because love emits an everlasting virtue that increases seven times seven. Yet, we are to know whst part we play and protect the basic needs we afford, or the house at the side of the road will cease to exist.
I love the poem. It reminds my of the humanity that is required for all. It speaks of playing your position I. Life but allows for to be conisent of your duty to manking however slight ie. just in acknowledging the out man’s path
My mother passed in 2015.??,she was a good woman…..growing up we had a framed picture of Mr. Foss’ poem displayed proudly in our home….it truly remains one of my favorite pieces of literature and being a former English Lit major, I have many .
Some good advice, as well. 🙂 Thanks for your comment.
This was my mother’s favorite poem..
She also had a framed picture in her home with the poem…
She emulated this poem…
Her nature called for meeting, feeding and supporting those in need. No matter who your were.
She always sat on her porch or looked out her window and greeted everyone who passed by.
She died 5June 2021… Every day I read this poem… And Every day I Miss Her.
So sorry for your loss. Hugs.
This reminds me of our Christian life. We ate not to judge others for we are all created by the same infinite God. We are to assist one another no matter who they are or what they posses, because we all experience what life’s journey.
I am a Seventh Day Adventist.The sermon today was—“The House By The Side Of The Road.” I decided to Google this topic and found this poem.
My thoughts took me straight to Jesus, our loving savior and Redeemer. I believe that when Jesus was living here on earth, He lived out the true meaning of this poem. He was a loving, kind, gentle, patient and compassionate friend to everyone He came in contact with. Regardless of whom the person might be. I believe, as children of God, this is the way we should live our lives. Being a blessing to others around you, will certainly make this world a better place to live.
Thank you so much for this lovely poem. Very meaningful and uplifting 🙏🏼❤️👍🌹🌺🌷🌸🇯🇲🇺🇸
Thank you for coming to my site. It really is such a meaningful poem. I love it.
This is one of my favorite poems, I am now 80 years of age, since a teenager I have loved this poem . Upon reading this I said Lord this is where I want to live my life , God has brought to my door so many wounded winged people , and taken me unknown to many , I let God use my circumstances to help others , when my heart was at it’s lowest , He sent wing lifters to me, I love living by the side of the road .none of us have a reputation to defend we are renewed daily , we see anew, daily , in that house by the side of the road ,open the door daily to be that help.